Karzai hopes next Afghanistan president to continue to develop relations with Russia

September 13, 2013, 15:19 UTC+3Meanwhile, the Russian leader stated that the two countries had reduced their trade and economic relations

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Photo EPA/IGOR KOVALENKO

BISHKEK, September 13 (Itar-Tass) - Afghan President Hamid Karzai hopes that a next president of the republic due to be elected in 2014 will continue to develop the relations with Russia.

“I hope that presidential elections will be hold timely in Afghanistan and a new president will be elected. I am absolutely convinced that a new president will also maintain the relations with Russia,” Karzai said at a meeting with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in Bishkek on Friday.

Karzai noted that four candidates had already stated about their intention to run for president of Afghanistan and “one of them is at our meeting hall now.”

As for development of the relations with Russia, Karzai noted that Afghanistan is interested in military-technical cooperation. “As for security, Afghan armed forces, we need Russia’s assistance and ask you to support and help us,” he said.

For his part, Putin recalled that Russia will continue to help to Afghanistan in this sphere and to make the supplies of weapons and ammunition, including free military supplies and will train Afghan specialists for the armed forces and the law enforcement agencies of the country.

Meanwhile, the Russian leader stated that the two countries had reduced their trade and economic relations. “In the economic sphere, unfortunately, a slump is observed. I would like to discuss this today,” Putin said.